Zarrukh Adashev
Division: Bantamweight
Result: Tyson Nam def. Zarrukh Adashev via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:32
Record: 3-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC
Grade: D
Former GLORY kickboxer [autotag]Zarrukh Adashev[/autotag] arrived in the octagon with a solid striking reputation but ended up being finished in short order by heavy-handed Hawaiian Tyson Nam in a disastrous octagon debut.
Adashev’s striking background meant a standup clash was imminent, but the Uzbekistani fighter wasn’t able to leverage his kickboxing experience as he was finished in spectacular fashion
Adashev blitzed in with a three-punch combination as he looked to put Nam on the back foot early, but he was countered in spectacular fashion in the very next exchange. After having early success with his hands, Adashev looked to repeat the trick with his kicks, as he threw a powerful low inside leg kick. However, Nam answered immediately with a colossal right-hand counter that knocked out Adashev instantly.
It was the perfect illustration of how even seasoned strikers aren’t safe when competing in the smaller four-ounce gloves, as Nam’s counter right connected perfectly to score a huge knockout.
It was Adashev’s first knockout loss in either kickboxing or MMA competition and gave the debutant a nasty introduction to life in the UFC.
Next up: Short-notice debutant shows grit in abundance